Golf in North Berwick, Scotland plenty more than the famous "West Links"

There's more than one course in North Berwick. The Glen Golf Club is known as the "East Links," established in 1906. (Courtesy of GolfEastLothian.com)

For golfers traveling to Scotland, "North Berwick" only means one thing: the historic links that are home to the famous "Redan" and close-up views of Fidra and the Bass Rock.

Come to the royal burgh itself, and you'll discover it's golf-rich; there's plenty more than just a simple "North Berwick" to play. In fact, saying "North Berwick" for golf doesn't narrow it down much, as there are loads of courses in town. Rather, West Links is the proper name for the historic links, home to the famous "Redan," "Pit" and "Perfection" holes.

Four golf clubs call the West Links home: North Berwick Golf Club, Tantallon Golf Club (1853), Bass Rock Golf Club (1873) and the North Berwick Ladies Golf Club (1888).

Just east of town, the East Links is known officially as the Glen Golf Club, established in 1906. Its scenic 13th hole, a par 3 over the sea to the green, has the Bass Rock in the background. This hole is often used to showcase the region's golf, though the course is far less famous than the West Links.

North Berwick is also unique in that there are two 18-hole public putting greens that are separate from the 18-hole championship courses. The East putting green is large and sloping compared with the West, which is flatter and on the other side of town, nearer to the sea.

Also, alongside the West Links, much like in nearby Gullane, there is a nine-hole Children's Course. Here, children are allowed to play - and adults are only welcome under the supervision of a youngster.

So when you're pub crawling through East Lothian, be specific when telling locals where you're actually playing in North Berwick. It will score your group some significant street credit.

June 22, 2009

Brandon Tucker is the Managing Editor for Golf Advisor. To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and over 500 golf courses worldwide. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours. Follow Brandon on Twitter at @BrandonTucker.

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